Math Problem Solving Resources

Laura Candler’s Math Problem Solving page is where you’ll find great resources for teaching problem solving as well as a variety of math problem activity pages. Many of the items on this page are free and do not come with directions. For complete problem solving lessons, check out the Daily Math Puzzlers, a series of four leveled books that include information on how to teach problem solving as well as mixed-problem activity pages for students.

Links to Free Problem Solving Strategies

Free Problem Solving Assessments

Use the simple pretests in this assessment pack to learn how skilled your students are at solving problems and where to start them in the Daily Math Puzzler program. Even if you don’t use the Daily Math Puzzler program, you’ll gain valuable insights as to HOW your students attack word problems and solve them. Click the link or cover image to sign up for this free set of leveled problem solving assessments. After you submit your requests, go to you inbox and look for the email with the freebie. You’ll see links to the American version shown here and the International version.

Math Mindset Challenges: Editable Multi-step Word Problems

Recharge & Write Problem Solving Strategy (Video Clip)

Recharge & Write is a terrific cooperative learning strategy that gets kids talking about math problems but holds them accountable for understanding how to solve each problem. I recorded a short video to explain how it works, and I provided even more detail my blog post, How to Recharge Mathematical Thinking.

Weekly Math Challenge Freebies

If you’re looking for the Weekly Math Challenge printables shown below, they’re free for my newsletter subscribers. To find them, sign up for Candler’s Classroom Connections and follow the links to the Best Freebies page. You can find many more problems like this in the Math Mindset Challenges collection!

Math Problem Solving: Mindsets Matter Webinar

Common Core Standards for Mathematical Practice

The Common Core State Standards include eight mathematical practices that should be included as a regular part of math instruction. I created the chart shown on the right that you can use as you plan instruction to ensure that you are meeting these standards throughout the week.

What to do the standards mean?

The NC Department of Public instruction has created a set of documents for grade level called “Unpacking the Standards.” These documents are a goldmine of information and strategies for teachers! One extremely helpful part of each document is the chart of Mathematical Practices that specifies how those standards look at that particular grade level. The Standards for Mathematical Practice can be found near the beginning of each document below: